Arcade cabinets require effective ventilation to prevent overheating and ensure smooth operation. The most common types of ventilation systems include:

1. Passive Ventilation: Simple vents or grilles allow natural airflow, often placed at the top or sides of the cabinet. This low-cost solution works well for low-power systems.

2. Active Fans: Small electric fans are installed to actively circulate air. These are common in modern cabinets with high-performance hardware, ensuring consistent cooling.

3. Exhaust Systems: Larger cabinets may use dedicated exhaust fans to expel hot air, often paired with intake vents for balanced airflow.

4. Liquid Cooling (Rare): Some high-end or custom arcade machines use liquid cooling for extreme heat management, though this is uncommon in standard designs.

Proper ventilation extends the lifespan of arcade hardware and enhances gameplay reliability. Choosing the right system depends on cabinet size, hardware heat output, and environmental conditions.